Colorectal Cancer Test Recommendations

British Columbia Specific Information

You can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by getting screened early. To learn about screening options like the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and who qualifies under the new BC Colon Screening program, visit the BC Cancer Agency Colon Screening.

For more details on colorectal screening, visit Colorectal Cancer Part 1 - Province of British Columbia which also includes the Colorectal Cancer: Guide for Patients. You may also be interested in the Appendix A: Factors Influencing Colorectal Cancer Risk.

Adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle changes can also lower your risk. Call 8-1-1 to talk to a registered dietitian, Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time or Email a HealthLinkBC Dietitian

Overview

Your risk for colorectal cancer gets higher as you get older. If you are not at high risk, experts recommend regular screening for adults ages 50 to 74.footnote 1 Talk with your doctor about your risk and when to start and stop screening. You may have one of several tests.

People who have an increased risk for colorectal cancer may need to be tested sooner or more often.

References

Citations

  1. Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (2016). Recommendations on screening for colorectal cancer in primary care. Canadian Medical Association Journal, published online March 15, 2016. DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.151125. Accessed April 6, 2016.

Credits

Current as of: March 1, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Arvydas D. Vanagunas MD - Gastroenterology